Helen Virginia Howell, age 91, resident of Columbia, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at NHC Columbia.

Helen was born June 5, 1931, in Clifton, and was the daughter of the late Curtis Allen Turnbo and the late Hester Pevahouse Turnbo.

She graduated high school at Frank Hughes in Clifton. She was an avid basketball player and was captain of the team. In her younger days, Helen helped her husband manage the airport in Clifton. She even was hours away from being able to get her pilot’s license. She was a kindhearted lady that enjoyed volunteering and giving her time to as many as possible. She was of the Methodist faith. She helped everyone in the neighborhood by taking them to run errands and driving them to doctor’s appointments. Helen’s favorite hobby was tending to her large garden. She also enjoyed singing and dancing. Most of all, she loved her family, and she will be missed dearly by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Glenda (J. Paul “Skip”) Nickell of Columbia; grandchildren, Teresa Holtsford of Columbia; great-grandchildren, Cody Cross and Chaz Whitsett, both of Columbia; nephew, Jamie Turnbo of Columbia; niece, Linda Isabell of Hohenwald; cousin, Edsel Turnbo of Waynesboro; sister-in-laws, Sue Scherzinger, Pat Treece, Margie Judd, and Dorothy Embry; brother-in-law, Dennis Prater; and many other nephews and nieces.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Connie H. Prater, M.C. West, and Clifford Howell; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Dorothy Turnbo; special aunt, Lockie Brashier; nephew, Terry Turnbo; and several cousins.

A funeral service was held on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Heritage Funeral Home with Bob Vassar officiating. Entombment followed in Polk Memorial Gardens. Heritage Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Pallbearers were Cody Cross, Chaz Whitsett, Jamie Turnbo, Chris Brown, Marty Lockhart, and Chris Johnson.

Memorials can be made to Frank Hughes School Basketball Team, 444 Main Street, Clifton, TN 38425 or any charity of your choice.